The house hunting process can be an exciting, intimidating, and stressful time. While you’re busy looking for your needs and wants in a home, you’ll also save a lot of time by looking for potential damage and red flags that can impact the home’s safety, comfort, or utility. You should always receive a professional home inspection, but you can make more informed decisions by checking some often-overlooked spaces for potential issues first.
Breaker Box
It’s not the most exciting part of the home to tour, but you don’t want to ignore the home’s electrical panel. The breaker box controls the power your house gets, room by room, and issues can significantly impact your usage and the comfort of your home. Check the breaker box to make sure that the breakers are labeled correctly. If there are no labels, it can be confusing to use. Rust, messy wiring, or broken breakers might require extensive electrical work, so you’ll need to keep this in mind.
Attics
Many homes have accessible attic space, even if it’s unfinished. An unfinished attic isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but you will want to check for pests, water damage, roofing issues, or major construction flaws. Poor insulation can also limit the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. If there is wiring or insulation in the attic space that you can’t access, it could become an issue for future repairs.
Garage
Whether attached or detached, a garage makes an excellent storage space for lawn equipment or vehicles. It can quickly become more of a hassle when foundational issues or broken doors require major garage door repair or foundation replacement. Does the garage door work properly, including the lock? Is there a garage door opener? Is there adequate lighting? Are there major wall or foundational cracks? You’ll want to be informed about the condition of the garage before considering it an asset. Major problems can limit your use of the space or even invite pests or water damage into the home. Other issues, such as garage doors or exterior doors, can be easily replaced if you’ve the funds. You can save money on these installations with local contractors. Try searching for terms like “local garage door company” or “exterior doors near me.”
Around the Toilet
While you’re touring the bathroom, you may want to take a closer look at the toilet and the flooring that surrounds it. Major warping or softness of the floor, stains, or discoloration may indicate that the toilet isn’t installed properly and is leaking, potentially causing damage to the floor. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for mold. This issue can be repaired, but the cost may be substantial, depending on the duration of the leak and the extent of the flooring damage.
Under the Sink
Just like around the toilet, you will want to check for any leaks, mold, or surrounding damage caused by poorly installed sinks or broken pipes. A new sink in a beautiful home can draw the eye, but poor plumbing or craftsmanship can detract from its appearance. Open up the area under the sink and look for mold, wet surfaces, water stains, pest droppings, or pests themselves. An active leak could be an isolated incident, but it may also indicate systemic plumbing problems or a lack of care during the home’s construction.
Basement or Crawlspace
While it may be an unpleasant place to tour, you’ll want to inspect any crawlspaces or basements that the home has, even if the area is completely unfinished. Check for major pest infestations, cracks in the walls or foundations, or potential flooding issues. Past floods may have caused significant water damage to the basement or floor. You’ll want to be aware of this in case there is future flooding in the area, as it can affect your home’s structure, insurance rates, and property value.
Windows
Many homebuyers love the natural light and stylish appeal of extensive windows, but you’re going to need to inspect them carefully. Make sure the windows are properly installed, sealed, and insulated. Gaps, cracks, or thin glass can make weatherproofing your home an expensive and frustrating repair. The window frames themselves may also be damaged due to a lack of moisture control or improper window installation. Check for soft wood, mold, or moisture buildup. Double-pane windows may have a crack or broken seal, making them ineffective. You’ll want to be aware of potential window issues that need to be addressed before purchasing the home.
Drainage System
When touring the home, don’t forget to inspect the yard and exterior surfaces. What type of drainage does it have? Broken or clogged gutters will require cleaning and repair, and could indicate a lack of maintenance. Does water drain away from the home? If you notice signs of flooding, such as puddles or standing water, you may need to consider grading or installing additional drainage solutions in the future. Depending on the type, this can be very costly, and neglecting it can lead to even more expensive foundation and property damage, including leaks into the basement or lowest levels of the home.
Electrical Outlets
Many people who tour homes will inspect the type and quantity of electrical outlets in the house, but fail to actually test them. If the power is on, plug a small device, such as a phone charger, into each plug and outlet to ensure it works. Test the light switches to ensure there are no wiring problems or dead switches. Some fixes are simple, but others require extensive rewiring, which can be very costly. For spaces that rely on working outlets, such as an entertainment center, damage or incorrect wiring can severely limit your use and comfort.
Conclusion
When touring different homes, it’s easy to get caught up in the big picture and neglect the details. You’ll want to ensure that everything is functional and safe underneath. Many homes can appear cared for and updated superficially, but may be hiding major issues beneath the surface. You’ll want to thoroughly inspect areas around toilets, under sinks, and on the breaker box to start with. Ensure the home is free from any water damage or past leaks. You’ll need a professional home inspection, but taking a closer look at potential red flags yourself on the tour can save a significant amount of time and effort.